Saturday, January 7, 2012

Back to Jax: The Aberdeen Revisited

My wife and I were in Jacksonville for a few days after Christmas.  The weather was beautiful and I spent a lot of time out on my bike.  I paid a return visit to a building already featured on this site, but thought it was worth an update because the last time I visited they were in the midst of a paint job.  So, let's take a fresh look at The Aberdeen.


The Aberdeen, 2005 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, architect Roy Benjamin, builder H.F. McAden, constructed in 1915.  I love the Prairie School look of this Riverside apartment building, one of several by the team of Benjamin and McAden.  Benjamin is known for many great Jacksonville landmarks, including the Florida Theatre downtown.


The Aberdeen has a very handsome and inviting entrance.  Note the green stoop...the color ties in nicely with the roof's green tile.


What a great front door!  Again, that Prairie School look that is in step with so many buildings in the Riverside/Avondale historic district.



Here's the green barrel tile I mentioned, though over the years the sun has faded the color.  It is not as vibrant as it likely was originally.  The tile covers the roof over the front porch, and lines the parapet at the top of the building.     


This one takes you a little closer:             


The Aberdeen enjoys large, wide windows to bring in the light.  Window boxes are part of the building's design; every window has one.  They are well maintained and always nicely planted, providing a pleasant splash of color to the streetscape.



This plaque outside the building provides an interesting history.  Double click to enlarge it-- it will be easier to read.


The Aberdeen is in the heart of the 5 Points business district.  Pretty much everything you need is within walking distance, and the river is in sight at the end of Margaret Street, just a few blocks away. 


The Aberdeen, a nice place to call home for almost a hundred years!

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